Adult disposable absorbent articles and arrays of said articles comprising absorbent cores having channels

ABSTRACT

An array of packages comprising two or more different sizes of disposable absorbent articles may comprise first and second articles comprising first and second cores having different Channel Spacings, Curvatures, Arm Angles, and/or Lengths.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/996,683, filed onJan. 15, 2016, which claims the benefit, under 35 USC § 119(e), of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/104,330 filed on Jan. 16,2015, the entire disclosures of which are fully incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD

The present disclosure is directed to disposable absorbent articles andarrays of disposable absorbent articles which are designed to fitdifferent adult body sizes, shapes and types, and as such are sized tofit a broad range of adult consumers.

BACKGROUND

Adult incontinence (“AI”) articles are designed to absorb and containliquid and other discharges from the human body to prevent the body andclothing from becoming soiled. One challenge is to provide a line-up ofAI articles that meets the urine containment needs while providing anarticle that meets the fit and comfort desires of diverse wearers, whichcan range over several hundred pounds. These challenges includebulkiness and stiffness of the absorbent core, in both the dry and wetstate.

In recent years, absorbent core designs have progressed towardstructures with relatively higher proportions by weight of absorbentpolymer particles and lower proportions of absorbent fiber (e.g.,cellulose fiber), resulting in structures that are thinner thanabsorbent core designs of earlier years and enabling manufacture ofproducts that are less bulky when dry. The latter structures, however,can be slower in liquid acquisition rate, and because of their greaterproportions of absorbent polymer particles, can become saggy, bulky andgelatinous when wetted. To address these issues, absorbent structuresincluding longitudinally-oriented channels have been developed(hereafter referred to as channels).

Appropriately located and structured longitudinal channels can helpdistribute liquid along deposits of absorbent polymer particles alongthe length of the absorbent core, and thereby help improve acquisitionrate. They also can help reduce chances of a saggy and bulky appearanceof the article when wetted by providing longitudinal structural rigiditythrough the crotch region of the article resulting from pressure withinthe wetted absorbent polymer particle deposits between the channels.They also help by providing natural hinge zones, which can minimize theappearance of bulk while improving overall comfort to the wearer.

Examples of channels suitable for use with articles of the presentdisclosure are disclosed in WO2012/170778 (Rosati et al., see alsoWO2012/170779, WO2012/170781 and WO2012/170808), further inWO2014/093319, WO2014/093311 (both Arizti) and WO2014/093310(Ehrnsperger). The material free zone in these disclosures may becurved. Other prior art discloses channels that are straight, andtypically oriented in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction ofthe core, as in WO95/11652 (Tanzer) or WO2012/052,172A1 (Van Malderen).

There is a need to improve fit and comfort of absorbent articles.Providing absorbent articles of different dimensions (in longitudinaland transversal direction) based on the body dimensions to provide theright coverage and performance is known. The present inventors have nowfound that the channel dimensions and shape as well as position of thechannels within an array of articles should be specifically adapted tothe size of the wearer. Adapting the dimensions of the channels to BMIdriven morphological changes (leg and crotch shape) is beneficial toenable proper fit and comfort along the full range of consumers. Inaddition, the inventors have found a correlation between channeldimensions, shape and position and BMI driven morphological changes(i.e., like leg and crotch shape) that can be used to improve fit andcomfort for a given sizes of articles in an array. In short, thegeometry of the channels should be adapted to the BMI of the wearer toprovide for better fit and comfort.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is on the rise globally for both men and women. Inthe U.S. alone, more than ⅓ of adult females are now considered obese(BMI>30). This has changed significantly over the past 30 years; in 1980only about 16% of U.S. adult females were obese. Larger women exhibitdifferent ratios of body anthropometrics than smaller women, i.e., allbody dimensions do not simply scale-up as women get larger. In addition,women across the range of BMI may also have very different body shapes.There is a lack of recognition and understanding of this issue bycurrent adult absorbent article manufacturers and as such consumers'needs are not being adequately met. Therefore, there is a need todevelop adult absorbent articles for a wide variety of body shapes andsizes in order to provide an improved level of fit and contact betweenthe body and the adult absorbent article to reduce the occurrence ofleakage and improve the overall fit, comfort, coverage and discretion ofthe article. There is a clear need for adult absorbent articles whichare designed for variety of wearers based on their BMI and body shape.There is also a need to communicate to wearers the benefits of suchcustomized adult absorbent articles in an easy-to-understand manner(e.g., some women may not understand what BMI is or know their BMInumber), which is not off-putting (e.g., without stigmatizing orembarrassing women based on their BMI).

Thus, it is an object of the present disclosure to describe absorbentarticles and arrays of absorbent articles whereby the channels areintegrated into the absorbent articles and are designed to meet theconsumer needs across the BMI range wherein each size in the array isintended to fit, both when the pant is dry and after it is wetted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a pant diaper with a continuous belt in thefront and back waist regions.

FIG. 2 shows representative female body shapes of differing BMI wherethe transverse plane B:B is determined at the gluteal sulcus.

FIG. 3 shows representative female morphological measurements taken atplane B:B of FIG. 2, including thigh spacing, thigh diameter parallel tothe sagittal plane (thigh length), and thigh diameter parallel to thecoronal plane (thigh width).

FIG. 4 shows the average female morphological shapes at plane B:B ofFIG. 2 as a function of BMI.

FIG. 5 is a chart showing the relationship between Target BMI and ThighSpacing at plane B:B of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a chart showing the relationship between Target BMI and ThighEccentricity at plane B:B of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 shows representative female body shapes of differing BMI and the“Flat Region Through the Crotch.”

FIG. 8 is a chart showing the relationship between Target BMI and the“Flat Region Through the Crotch.”

FIGS. 9a-c show different examples of channels and how various channelparameters are determined.

FIGS. 10a-c show different examples of core channels for consumers ofdiffering BMI's.

FIGS. 11 a-c show examples of different core channel configurations forconsumers of differing BMI's.

FIG. 12 is a chart showing the relationship between Target BMI andTarget Weight.

FIG. 13 is a chart showing the relationship between Target BMI andTarget Waist.

FIG. 14 is a chart showing the relationship between Target BMI andTarget Hip.

FIG. 15 is a chart showing the relationship between Target BMI andTarget Thigh.

FIG. 16 shows how the general female body shape changes as BMIincreases.

FIG. 17 depicts the variability of female body shapes within each BMIclass.

FIG. 18 is a partially cut away plan view of a pant diaper with a pairof flaps, wherein the wearer-facing interior of the diaper faces theviewer.

FIG. 19 is a partially cut away plan view a pant diaper with front andrear flaps, wherein the garment-facing exterior of the diaper faces theviewer.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the pant diaper shown in FIG. 1 whereinbelts connect opposing waist regions.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the pant diaper shown in FIG. 18wherein flaps connect opposing waist regions.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the pant diaper shown in FIG. 19wherein side seams connect the flaps and opposing waist regions.

FIG. 23 is a schematic cross section view taken along line 23-23 in FIG.18 of an example of a folded outer leg cuff suitable in one embodimentof the disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a schematic cross section view of a back belt-like flapsuitable in one embodiment of the disclosure, taken along line 24-24 ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 25 is a schematic perspective view of an absorbent structureincluding an absorbent layer with two longitudinal main channels.

FIG. 26 is a table illustrating how the Target BMI is determined forabsorbent articles where a waist range and a weight range arerecommended.

FIG. 27 is a table illustrating how the Target BMI is determined forabsorbent articles where a waist range, a hip range and a weight rangeare recommended.

FIG. 28 is a table illustrating how the Target BMI is determined forabsorbent articles where a waist range, a hip range and a weight rangeare recommended.

FIG. 29 is a table illustrating how the Target BMI is determined forpanty and clothing sizes where a waist range and a hip range arerecommended.

FIG. 30 is a table illustrating how the Target BMI is determined forpanty and clothing sizes where a waist range and a hip range arerecommended.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

“Pull-on garment” or “pant” means articles of wear which have a definedwaist opening and a pair of leg openings and which are typically pulledonto the body of the wearer by inserting the legs into the leg openingsand pulling the article up over the waist.

“Disposable” means garment, which are not intended to be laundered orotherwise restored or reused as a garment (i.e., they are intended to bediscarded after a single use and to be recycled, composted or otherwisedisposed of in an environmentally compatible manner). The pull-ongarment may be “absorbent” such that it absorbs and contains the variousexudates discharged from the body.

“Closed form” means opposing waist regions are joined to form acontinuous waist opening and leg openings. See, for example, FIGS.20-22.

“Array” means a display of packages comprising disposable articles ofdifferent sizes having like article constructions (e.g., sameelastomeric materials [compositionally and/or structurally] in theflaps, graphic elements) said packages having the same brand and/orsub-brand, and said packages oriented in proximity to each other in agiven area of a retail store. An array is marketed as a line-up ofproducts normally having like packaging elements (e.g., packagingmaterial type, film, paper, dominant color, design theme, etc.) thatconvey to consumers that the different individual packages are part of alarger line-up. Arrays often have the same brand, for example, “Depend,”and same sub-brand, for example, “for Women Underwear.” A differentarray may have the brand “Depend” and the sub-brand “Silhouette ForWomen.” The differences between the “for Women Underwear” array and the“Silhouette For Women” arrays include different elastomeric materials inthe side flaps, where “for Women Underwear” comprises strands as theelastomeric material and “Silhouette For Women” comprises a filmelastomeric material.” Furthermore, the packaging is distinctlydifferent in that “for Women Underwear” is packaged in a predominatelygreen, film bag and “Silhouette For Women” is packaged in apredominately maroon box.

Further regarding “Arrays,” as another example of two separate “arrays”having the same brand, “Certainty,” one line-up has the sub-brand“Women's Underwear.” A different array may have the same brand“Certainty” and the sub-brand “Smooth Shape Briefs for Women.” Thedifferences between the “Women's Underwear” array and the “Smooth ShapeBriefs for Women” arrays include different elastomeric materials in theside flaps, where “Women's Underwear” comprises strands as theelastomeric material and “Smooth Shape Briefs for Women” comprises afilm elastomeric material.” Furthermore, the packaging is distinctlydifferent in that “Women's Underwear” is packaged in a predominatelyblue, film bag and “Smooth Shape Briefs for Women” is packaged in apredominately maroon box.

Arrays also often have the same trademarks, including trademarks of thebrand, sub-brand, and/or features and/or benefits across the line-up.

“On-line Array” means an “Array” distributed by a common on-line source.

“Thigh Spacing” means the narrowest lateral distance between the thighsat a point, which is parallel to the coronal plane and on the horizontalplane defined at the Gluteal Sulcus (the gluteal sulcus is oftenreferred to as the fold of the buttock or the gluteal fold of thehorizontal gluteal crease). This is illustrated in FIG. 2 and in FIG. 3at plane B:B of FIG. 2.

“Thigh Eccentricity” is the approximate eccentricity of the thigh atplane B:B of FIG. 2, where plane B:B is described above. Hereafter,Thigh Eccentricity is considered negative when the major axis of thethigh cross section at plane B:B is perpendicular to the coronal planeof the body. The thigh's major axis is the larger of either the ThighWidth, or Thigh Length as illustrated in FIG. 3.

“Channel Spacing,” hereafter denoted as CS means the minimum lateraldistance between two longitudinally extending laterally spaced channels.This is illustrated in FIG. 9. FIG. 9a shows how CS is determined whenthe channels are longitudinally straight and parallel at the narrowestpoint within the crotch region, denoted as the distance between pointsp₁ and p′₁. FIG. 9b shows how CS is determined with the channels arecurved or not parallel at the narrowest lateral point within the crotchregion, denoted as the distance between points p₂ and p′₂. And FIG. 9cshows how CS is determined when there are more than two longitudinallyextending channels, denoted as the distance between points p₃ and p′₃.In such cases, points p₃ and p′₃ are disposed in the crotch region atthe narrowest lateral point between the two laterally opposing channelshaving the greatest Channel Length.

“Channel Curvature,” hereafter denoted as κ means the curvature (inverseof the radius) at the narrowest points in the channel within the crotchregion used in determining CS (denoted by points p as shown in FIG. 9).FIG. 9a illustrates that in the case when the channels arelongitudinally straight and parallel the points where CS is determined,κ₁ is equal to 0 (radius is equal to ∞).

“Channel Arm Angle,” hereafter denoted as θ, means the angle of thearm(s) for channels that are longitudinal straight and parallel in thelongitudinal mid region, and have one or more channel sections whichdeviate from the straight sections. This is illustrated in FIG. 9a . TheChannel Arm Angles are denoted as θ_(1a) and θ_(1b).

“Channel Length” hereafter denoted as L, means the maximum longitudinallength of a channel. This is illustrated in FIG. 9a by L₁, in FIG. 9b byL₂, and in FIG. 9c by L₃.

“Flat Region Through Crotch” is the approximated longitudinally flatregion, parallel to the sagittal plane, through the crotch. This isillustrated in FIG. 7.

“Hip” means the circumference of the body at the level of the maximumposterior protuberance of buttocks.

“Waist” means the horizontal circumference of the waist at the level ofthe center of the navel (omphalion).

“Thigh” means the circumference of the thigh at its juncture with thebuttock, the measurement made perpendicular to the long axis of thethigh.

“Target Waist” means for a product with a recommended waist range, themidpoint of that recommended waist range.

“Target Hip” means for a product with a recommended hip range, themidpoint of that recommended hip range.

“Target Weight” means for a product with a recommended weight range, themidpoint of that recommended weight range.

“Target Thigh” means for a product with a recommended thigh range, themidpoint of that recommended thigh range.

“Target BMI from Waist” is determined from the Target Waist and is shownin FIG. 13. It is calculated by:

(Target BMI from Waist)=a+b×(Target Waist)×ln(Target Waist)

-   -   Where:    -   Target Waist: is in units of mm    -   Target BMI: is in units of kg/m²    -   a=−2.483×10⁻¹    -   b=4.625×10⁻³“Target BMI from Hip” is determined from the Target        Hip and is shown in FIG. 14. It is calculated by:

(Target BMI from Hip)=a+b×(Target Hip)×ln(Target Hip)

-   -   Where:    -   Target Hip: is in units of mm    -   Target BMI: is in units of kg/m²    -   a=−15.517    -   b=6.010×10⁻³

“Target BMI from Weight” is determined from the Target Weight and isshown in FIG. 12. It is calculated by:

(Target BMI from Weight)=a+b×(Target Weight)×ln(Target Weight)

-   -   Where:    -   Target Weight: is in units of kg    -   Target BMI: is in units of kg/m²    -   a=7.879    -   b=6.525×10⁻²

“Target BMI from Thigh” is determined from the Target Thigh and is shownin FIG. 15. It is calculated by:

(Target BMI from Thigh)=a+b×(Target Thigh)×(Target Thigh)^(2.5)

-   -   Where:    -   Target Thigh: is in units of mm    -   Target BMI: is in units of kg/m²    -   a=8.979    -   b=1.868×10⁻⁶

“Target BMI” means the Target BMI from Waist if a waist range isrecommended. If a waist range is not recommended then the Target BMImeans the Target BMI from Hip if a hip range is recommended. If neithera hip range nor a waist range is recommended, then Target BMI means theTarget BMI from Weight if a weight range is recommended. If neither awaist, hip nor weight range is recommended, then Target BMI means theTarget BMI determined from a panty size if a panty size is recommended.If a panty size is not recommended, then the Target BMI is determinedfrom the clothing size if a clothing size is recommended. See FIGS.26-30 for examples.

FIG. 26 shows an example of how the Target BMI is determined forabsorbent articles where a waist range and a weight range arerecommended.

FIGS. 27 and 28 show examples of how the Target BMI is determined forabsorbent articles where a waist range, a hip range and a weight rangeare recommended.

FIGS. 29 and 30 show examples of how the Target BMI is determined forpanty and clothing sizes where a waist range and a hip range arerecommended.

Consumers who are urinary incontinent often are traumatized by thecondition. Many aspects of the condition contribute to the trauma, likethe fear of having an incontinent event in public. Even when wearing anabsorbent article, there is still the fear of leaking, and the fear ofher absorbent article being noticeable under her clothes. As suchproviding a product experience that helps normalize the condition byproviding a more underwear-like, thin and body conforming structureacross the entire BMI range is one of the objects of the presentdisclosure.

The body mass index (BMI) is a classification system for body shapesbased upon height and mass. BMI may be calculated as follows:

${BMI} = {\frac{{weight}\mspace{14mu} ({kg})}{{height}\mspace{14mu} (m)^{2}} = \frac{703*{weight}\mspace{14mu} ({lb})}{{height}\mspace{14mu} ({in})^{2}}}$

The BMI comprises different classes of body mass, including: underweight(BMI<20), normal weight (BMI 20-25), overweight (BMI 25-30), obese (BMI30-40), and morbidly obese (BMI>40).

FIG. 16 illustrates how the general female body shape changes as BMIincreases. FIG. 17 illustrates a variety of specific shapes that mayexist within each BMI class: rectangle (also known as cylindrical),hourglass, pear, and apple. The higher her BMI, the further to the right(toward the apple) a woman typically is on this body shape scale. Theprevalence of these shapes differs across the BMI range, for instance,higher BMI women have a higher probability of being apple or pearshaped. Adult absorbent articles may be marketed to women of aparticular body shape, such as apple, rather than focusing on exact BMIvalues (which may be off-putting to a consumer), in order to match awearer with the article that may best fit her unique body shape or size.

Some regions where the shape of the female body change as BMI getshigher is in the shape and spacing of the thighs. This is illustrated inFIG. 4, and in the charts on FIG. 5 and on FIG. 6. As BMI increases, thespacing between the thighs at the Gluteal Sulcus decreases.Additionally, as BMI gets higher, the eccentricity of the thigh at theGluteal Sulcus changes as is illustrated in FIG. 4. This change resultsin a larger radius (smaller curvature) and a longer thigh axis(perpendicular to the coronal plane of the body). Additionally, as BMIincreases the length of the Flat Region Through Crotch (parallel to thesagittal plane) increases as is illustrated in FIG. 7 and by the charton FIG. 8.

It may be desirable to link the shape and spacing of core channels tothese physical body dimensions in order to achieve a better fitting,better conforming article. This may increase the wearing comfort foreach consumer while reducing leakage.

Table 6 below illustrates an example of an inventive array of 3packages, as illustrated in FIGS. 10a-c , whose channel shapes bettermatch the body shapes of the Target BMI's of the consumers each packageis intended to fit and thereby providing better fit and comfort whilereducing the chance of leakage.

TABLE 6 Example of Inventive Product Array 1^(st) Inventive ArrayAverage Channel Length Channel Spacing Channel Channel Arm (3 packagearray) Targeted BMI (mm) (mm) Curvature (1/m) Angle (deg) 1^(st) Packagein Array 27 300 45 11.1 n/a 2^(nd) Package in Array 35 370 10 8.3 n/a3^(rd) Package in Array 45 420 0 6.7 n/a

Table 7 below illustrates an example of an inventive array of 3packages, as illustrated in FIGS. 11a-c , whose channel shapes bettermatch the body shapes of the Target BMI's of the consumers each packageis intended to fit and thereby providing better fit and comfort whilereducing the chance of leakage.

TABLE 7 Example of Inventive Product Array 2^(nd) Inventive ArrayAverage Channel Length Channel Spacing Channel Channel Arm (3 packagearray) Targeted BMI (mm) (mm) Curvature (1/m) Angle (deg) 1^(st) Packagein Array 27 300 45 0 40° 2^(nd) Package in Array 35 370 10 0 30° 3^(rd)Package in Array 45 420 0 0 20°

These inventive arrays are provided simply as non-limiting examples.Other inventive arrays are possible within the scope of this disclosure.

Absorbent Article

The absorbent articles of the present disclosure are generally designedand configured to manage bodily exudates such as urine, menses, feces orother vaginal discharges.

In one embodiment, an absorbent article may comprise a chassiscomprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed atleast partially between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbentchassis may comprise a waistband, leg cuffs and or elastic strands. Invarious embodiments, referring to FIG. 1, an example absorbent article10 is shown in its flat uncontracted state prior to joining the waistregions to complete the waist opening by for example fasteningcomponents 53 a and b (illustrated in FIG. 22).

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 1, one end portion of the absorbentarticle 10 may be configured as a front waist region 36 and thelongitudinally opposing end portion may be configured as a back waistregion 38. An intermediate portion of the absorbent article 10 extendinglongitudinally between the front waist region 36 and the back waistregion 38 may be configured as a crotch region 37. In one embodiment,although not illustrated as such, the length of each of the front waistregion 36, the back waist region 38 and the crotch region 37 may beabout ⅓ of the length of the absorbent article 10, for example. In otherembodiments, the length of each of the front waist region 36, the backwaist region 38, and the crotch region 37 may have other dimensions. Invarious embodiments, the absorbent article 10 may have a laterallyextending front waist end edge 136 in the front waist region 36 and alongitudinally opposing and laterally extending back waist end edge 138in the back waist region 38.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 1, a chassis 100 of the absorbentarticle 10 may comprise a first longitudinally extending side edge 137 aand a laterally opposing and second longitudinally extending side edge137 b. Both of the side edges 137 may extend longitudinally between thefront waist end edge 136 and the back waist end edge 138. The chassis100 may form a portion of the laterally extending front waist end edge136 in the front waist region 36 and a portion of the longitudinallyopposing and laterally extending back waist end edge 138 in the backwaist region 38. Furthermore, the chassis 100 may comprise an interiorsurface 102, an exterior surface 104, a longitudinal axis 42, and alateral axis 44. The longitudinal axis 42 may extend through a midpointof the front waist end edge 136 and through a midpoint of the back waistend edge 138, while the lateral axis 44 may extend through a midpoint ofthe first side edge 137 a and through a midpoint of the second side edge137 b.

In various embodiments, a portion of or the whole absorbent article 10may be made to be laterally extensible. The extensibility of theabsorbent article 10 may be desirable in order to allow the absorbentarticle 10 to conform to a body of a wearer during movement by thewearer. The extensibility may also be desirable, for example, in orderto allow the caregiver to extend the front waist region 36, the backwaist region 38, the crotch region 37, and/or the chassis 100 to provideadditional body coverage for wearers of differing size, i.e., to tailorthe absorbent article 10 to the individual wearer. Such extension mayprovide the absorbent article 10 with a generally hourglass shape, solong as the crotch region 37 is extended to a relatively lesser degreethan the waist regions 36 and/or 38. This extension may also impart atailored appearance to the absorbent article 10 during use.

Any or all portions of the absorbent article may comprise abacteriophage composition as described in U.S. Ser. No. 61/931,229,titled DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLES COMPRISING BACTERIOPHAGES ANDRELATED METHODS, and filed on Jan. 24, 2014.

Topsheet

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 1 and 24, the absorbent article 10may comprise a topsheet 81. The topsheet 81 may be compliant, softfeeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin and may be elasticallystretchable in one or more directions. Further, the topsheet 81 may beliquid pervious, permitting liquids (e.g., menses, urine, and/or runnyfeces) to penetrate through its thickness. Various topsheets may alsocomprise a hydrophilic material, for example, which is configured todraw bodily fluids into an absorbent core of the chassis 100 when thesefluids are expelled from the body. A suitable topsheet 81 may bemanufactured from a wide range of materials, such as woven and nonwovenmaterials, apertured or hydroformed thermoplastic films, aperturednonwovens, porous foams, reticulated foams, reticulated thermoplasticfilms, and/or thermoplastic scrims, for example. Suitable aperturedfilms may comprise those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,929,135,4,324,246, 4,342,314, 4,463,045, 5,006,394, 5,628,097, 5,916,661,6,545,197, and 6,107,539.

Apertured film or nonwoven topsheets typically may be pervious to bodilyexudates, yet non-absorbent, and have a reduced tendency to allow fluidsto pass back through and rewet the wearer's skin. Suitable woven andnonwoven materials may comprise natural fibers, such as, for example,wood or cotton fibers, synthetic fibers, such as, for example,polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers, or combinationsthereof. If the topsheet 81 comprises fibers, the fibers may bespunbond, carded, wet-laid, meltblown, hydroentangled, or otherwiseprocessed, for example, as is generally known in the art.

The topsheet may comprise a skin care lotion. Examples of suitablelotions include, but are not limited to, those described in U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,607,760; 5,609,587; 5,635,191; 5,643,588; and 5,968,025, and asdescribed in U.S. Application No. 61/391,353, and as described in U.S.Pub. No. 2014-0257216. Beyond these compositions, the absorbent articlemay comprise soluble cyclodextrin derivatives such as those described inU.S. Pub. No. 2014/0274870.

Additionally, the topsheet of the present disclosure may be a tuftedlaminate web as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,410,683, and/or may be anapertured web as disclosed in PCT/CN2014/083769 having an internationalfiling date of Aug. 6, 2014.

In one embodiment, the topsheet may comprise graphics (e.g., 116 in FIG.20) such that depth perception is created as described in U.S. Pat. No.7,163,528.

Backsheet

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, for example, theabsorbent article 10 may comprise a backsheet 83. The backsheet 83 maybe impervious, or at least partially impervious, to fluids or bodyexudates (e.g., menses, urine, and/or runny feces) and may bemanufactured from a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquidimpervious materials may also be used. The backsheet 83 may prevent thebody exudates or fluids absorbed and contained in an absorbent core ofthe absorbent article 10 from wetting articles which contact theabsorbent article 10, such as bedsheets, pajamas, clothes, and/orundergarments. The backsheet 83 may comprise a woven or nonwovenmaterial, polymeric films such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene orpolypropylene, and/or a multi-layer or composite materials comprising afilm and a nonwoven material (e.g., having an inner film layer and anouter nonwoven layer). A suitable backsheet may comprise a polyethylenefilm having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.5 mils) to about 0.051mm (2.0 mils). Examples of polyethylene films are manufactured by ClopayCorporation of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the designation BR-120 andBR-121, and by Tredegar Film Products of Terre Haute, Ind., under thedesignation XP-39385.

One suitable material for the backsheet can be a liquid imperviousthermoplastic film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.50 mil)to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils), for example including polyethylene orpolypropylene. Typically, the backsheet can have a basis weight of fromabout 5 g/m2 to about 35 g/m2. The backsheet can be typically positionedadjacent the outer-facing surface of the absorbent core and can bejoined thereto. For example, the backsheet may be secured to theabsorbent core by a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patternedlayer of adhesive, or an array of separate lines, spirals, or spots ofadhesive. Illustrative, but non-limiting adhesives, include adhesivesmanufactured by H. B. Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minn., U.S.A., andmarketed as HL-1358J. An example of a suitable attachment deviceincluding an open pattern network of filaments of adhesive is disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,986. Another suitable attachment device includingseveral lines of adhesive filaments swirled into a spiral pattern isillustrated by the apparatus and methods shown in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,911,173; 4,785,996; and 4,842,666. Alternatively, the attachmentdevice may include heat bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamicmechanical bonds, or any other suitable attachment device orcombinations of these attachment devices.

In one embodiment, the backsheet 83 may be embossed and/ormatte-finished to provide a more cloth-like appearance. Further, thebacksheet 83 may permit vapors to escape from the absorbent core of theabsorbent article 10 (i.e., the backsheet 83 is breathable) while stillpreventing, or at least inhibiting, fluids or body exudates from passingthrough the backsheet 83. In one embodiment, the size of the backsheet83 may be dictated by the size of the absorbent article 10 and thedesign or configuration of the absorbent article 10 to be formed, forexample.

Absorbent Core

In various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, the absorbentarticle 10 may comprise an absorbent core (also referred to as an“absorbent member” or “absorbent assembly” or “absorbent structure” or“absorbent composite”) 200 that is disposed between the topsheet 81 andthe backsheet 83. The absorbent core 200 may comprise a laterallyextending front edge 236 in the front waist region 36, a longitudinallyopposing and laterally extending back edge 238 in the back waist region38, a first longitudinally extending side edge 237 a, and a laterallyopposing and second longitudinally extending side edge 237 b. Both ofthe side edges 237 may extend longitudinally between the front edge 236and the back edge 238. In one embodiment, more than one absorbent core200 or more than one absorbent core layer may be provided in anabsorbent article 10, for example. The absorbent core 200 may be anysuitable size or shape that is compatible with the absorbent article 10.Example absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core 200 of thepresent disclosure that have achieved acceptance and commercial successare described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,610,678; 4,673,402; 4,888,231; and4,834,735.

In one embodiment, suitable absorbent cores may comprise cellulosicairfelt material. For instance, such absorbent cores may comprise lessthan about 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, or even 1% of the cellulosic airfeltmaterial as determined by weight. Additionally, such an absorbent coremay be primarily comprised of an absorbent gelling material in amountsof at least about 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or even about 100% asdetermined by weight. Furthermore, a portion of the absorbent core maycomprise a microfiber glue (if applicable). Such absorbent cores,microfiber glues, and absorbent gelling materials are described in U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,599,335; 5,562,646; 5,669,894; 6,790,798; and 7,521,587 andin U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2004/0158212.

In one embodiment, the core, including multiple layers making up thecore system, may be printed and embossed as described in U.S. Pat. No.8,536,401.

In one embodiment, the core may be separable from the chassis asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,989,006; 7,381,202; 7,175,613; 7,824,386;7,766,887; and 6,989,005. In such embodiments, the measurementsdescribed in this disclosure may be made to the chassis alone or may bemade to the chassis in combination with the separable core/absorbentassembly.

In one embodiment, the absorbent article of the present disclosure, andparticularly, a portion where the absorbent member is disposed, may havea body fluid absorption rate greater than 3 g/sec according to U.S. Pat.No. 6,649,810. According to U.S. Pat. No. 6,649,810, the expression “theportion (of the absorbent article) where the absorbent member isdisposed” is intended to mean the portion occupied by the absorbentmember when the absorbent article is flatly unfolded and seen in itsplan view.

In one embodiment, the absorbent structure may have an intake factorgreater than 3 according to U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,373, wherein the intakefactor is defined as the absorbent core permeability divided by thenormalized retention capacity (which is defined by the RetentionCapacity Test—also according to U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,373).

In one embodiment, the absorbent composite has a body fluid absorptiongreater than 75 g/100 cm2, according to U.S. Pat. No. 6,649,810.

In one embodiment, a target location of the absorbent article may have awicking value greater than 36%, according to U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,960.

In one embodiment, the absorbent article may have a bending stiffnessbetween 0.05-1.0 gf, according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,810,796.

In one embodiment, the absorbent article may have a crotch fluidabsorption rate greater than 3 g/sec according to U.S. Pat. No.6,649,810. In one embodiment, a freeze-dried composite of the absorbentcomposite may have an intake rate of at least about 1.9 cubiccentimeters (cc) of liquid/second at 80% composite saturation accordingto U.S. Pat. No. 6,689,934.

In some embodiments the absorbent core 200 may comprise channels asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,568,566; U.S. Pub. Nos. 2012/316046,2014/027066, 2014/163500, 2014/163506, 2014/163511, 2012/316526,2012/316527, 2012/316528, 2012/316529, 2012/316523, 2014/163501,2014/163502, 2014/163503 and European Pub. Nos. 2532328, 2532329,2717823, 2717820, 2717821, 2717822, 2532332, 2740449, and 2740452.

As shown in FIG. 25, in some embodiments the absorbent layer 317 maycomprise at least two channels 326 substantially free of absorbentpolymer particles extending through the thickness of the absorbent layerin the longitudinal dimension of the absorbent layer. By extending inthe longitudinal dimension of the absorbent layer, it is meant that thechannels extend essentially in the longitudinal dimension, i.e. theyextend more in the longitudinal dimension than in the transversedimension, e.g. at least twice as much in the longitudinal dimensionthan in the transverse dimension.

“Channels” as used herein refer to discrete portions of one or more ofthe absorbent layers of the absorbent core extending through thethickness of the absorbent layer which are substantially free ofabsorbent polymer (particles or fibers), i.e., no absorbent polymerparticles are intentionally present in such a channel (longitudinal mainchannel or secondary channel) of an absorbent structure. However, itshould be understood that, accidentally, a small, negligible amount ofabsorbent polymer particles may be present in the channel, which may notcontribute to any significant degree to the overall functionality (e.g.absorbency of the absorbent structure). Typically, the channels possesstwo transverse edges (in the shortest dimension) and two longitudinaledges (in the longest dimension) running between the transverse edges.The transverse edges of the channels may be straight (i.e.,perpendicular to the longitudinal side edges), angled or curved. Thechannels may have an average width w of at least 3 mm (the average of achannel is defined as the average distance between the longitudinal sideedges) or may have at least 4% of the width of the absorbent layer.

The channels may be permanent. By permanent, it is meant that theintegrity of the channels is at least partially maintained both in drystate and wet state, i.e., the channels are resistant to external forcescaused by movements of the diaper's wearer. Permanent channels areobtained by immobilizing the absorbent polymer on the substrate layer,such as by applying a thermoplastic adhesive material over the absorbentlayer. The absorbent layer of the present disclosure may comprise inparticular permanent channels formed by bonding of a first substratelayer (316) and a second substrate layer (316′) through the channels.Typically, glue may be used to bond both substrate layers through thechannel, but it is possible to bond via other known means, for exampleultrasonic bonding, pressure bonding or thermal bonding. The supportinglayers can be continuously bonded or intermittently bonded within thechannels.

Channel Array Embodiments

A first article may have a first channel having a channel spacing fromabout 0 mm to about 100 mm, from about 10 mm to about 80 mm, or fromabout 30 mm to about 50 mm. A second article may have a second channelhaving a channel spacing from about 0 mm to about 100 mm, from about 10mm to about 80 mm, or from about 30 mm to about 50 mm, wherein thechannel spacing of the first channel is greater than the channel spacingof the second channel.

The first channel of the first article may have a channel curvature fromabout 0/m to about 20/m, from about 5/m to about 15/m, or from about 7/mto about 11/m. The second channel of the second article may have achannel curvature from about 0/m to about 20/m, from about 5/m to about15/m, or from about 7/m to about 11/m, wherein the channel curvature ofthe first channel is greater than the channel curvature of the secondchannel.

The first channel of the first article may have a channel arm angle fromabout 0° to about 45°, from about 5° to about 30°, or from about 18° toabout 23°. The second channel of the second article may have a channelarm angle from about 0° to about 450, from about 5° to about 300, orfrom about 18° to about 23°, wherein the channel arm angle of the firstchannel is greater than the channel arm angle of the second channel.

The first channel of the first article may have a channel length fromabout 100 mm to about 500 mm, from about 200 mm to about 400 mm, or fromabout 250 mm to about 350 mm. The second channel of the second articlemay have a channel length from about 100 mm to about 500 mm, from about200 mm to about 400 mm, or from about 250 mm to about 350 mm, whereinthe channel length of the first channel is less than the channel lengthof the second channel.

The first channel may have at least one of a channel spacing, a channelcurvature, and a channel arm angle greater than the second channel. Thefirst channel may have at least two of a channel spacing, a channelcurvature, and a channel arm angle greater than the second channel. Thefirst channel may have each of a channel spacing, a channel curvature,and a channel arm angle greater than the second channel. In any of theseembodiments, the first channel may have a channel length less than thesecond channel.

Leg Cuffs

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the chassis 100 of theabsorbent article 10 may comprise longitudinally extending and laterallyopposing leg cuffs 147 a and 147 b that are disposed on the interiorsurface of the chassis 100 that faces inwardly toward the wearer andcontacts the wearer. The leg cuffs 147 a and 147 b may comprise one ormore elastic gathering members disposed at or adjacent the proximal edgeof one or both of the leg cuffs 147. In addition, the elastic gatheringmembers of the leg cuff may also comprise one or more elastic strands146 disposed at or adjacent the distal edge of one or both of the legcuffs 147. The elasticized leg cuffs 147 may comprise severalembodiments for reducing the leakage of body exudates or fluids in theleg regions. The elasticized leg cuffs 147 are sometimes referred to asleg bands, barrier cuffs, elastic cuffs, or gasketing cuffs. Suitableelasticized leg cuffs 147 may comprise those described in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,860,003, 4,909,803, 4,695,278, 4,795,454, 4,704,115, and 4,909,803,and U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2009/0312730. The leg cuffs 147 may be formed byfolding portions of the chassis 100 laterally inward, i.e., toward thelongitudinal axis 42, to form both the respective leg cuffs 147 and theside edges 137 a and b of the chassis 100. In other embodiments, the legcuffs 147 may be formed by attaching an additional layer or layers tothe chassis 100 at or adjacent to each of the respective side edges 137a and 137 b of the chassis 100. In one embodiment, the chassis 100 mayalso comprise other elastics disposed adjacent the side edges 137 whichmay cause the article 10 to form into a “U” shape when allowed to relaxthereby pulling the interior surface 102 of the front waist region 36toward the interior surface 102 of the back waist region 38.

In one embodiment, each leg cuff 147 may comprise a proximal edge 157 aand 157 b. These edges 157 a and 157 b are positioned proximate to thelongitudinal axis 42 compared to distal edges 139 a and 139 b. The legcuffs 147 may overlap the absorbent core 200, i.e., the proximal edges157 a and 157 b lie laterally inward of the respective side edges 237 aand 237 b of the absorbent core 200. Such an overlapped configurationmay be desirable in order to impart a more finished appearance to theabsorbent article 10 than that imparted by a non-overlappedconfiguration. In other embodiments, the leg cuffs 147 may not overlapthe absorbent core 200.

In one embodiment, each leg cuff 147 may be attached to the interiorsurface 102 of the chassis 100 in a leg cuff attachment zone (not shown)adjacent to the front waist end edge 136 and in a longitudinallyopposing leg cuff attachment zone (not shown) adjacent to the back waistend edge 138. In one embodiment, between the leg cuff attachment zones,the proximal edge 157 of the leg cuff 147 remains free, i.e., notattached to the interior surface 102 of the chassis 100 or to theabsorbent core 200. Also, between the longitudinally opposing leg cuffattachment zones, each leg cuff 147 may comprise one or more(specifically including one, two, three, or four elastic strands per legcuff 147) longitudinally extensible cuff elastic gathering members 159that may be disposed at or adjacent to the proximal edge 157 of the legcuff 147 by any suitable methods. Each of such cuff elastic gatheringmembers 159 may be attached over the leg cuff's entire length or overonly a portion of the leg cuff s length. For example, such cuff elasticgathering members 159 may be attached only at or near the leg cuff'slongitudinally opposing ends and may be unattached at the middle of theleg cuff's length. Such cuff elastic gathering members 159 may bedisposed in the crotch region 37 and may extend into one or both of thefront waist region 36 and the back waist region 38. For example, anelastic gathering member 159 may be attached at or adjacent to theproximal edge 157 of each of the leg cuffs 147 and extends into both thefront waist region 36 and the back waist region 38.

In various embodiments, each cuff elastic gathering member 159 may beenclosed inside a folded hem for example. In various embodiments, thecuff elastic gathering members 159 may be sandwiched between two layersforming the leg cuff 147, by two layers of the chassis 100, or may beattached on a surface of the chassis 100 or the leg cuff 147 and remainexposed.

In one embodiment, when stretched, the cuff elastic gathering member 159disposed adjacent to each leg cuff s proximal edge 157 allows the legcuff proximal edge 157 to extend to the flat uncontracted length of thechassis 100, e.g., the length of the chassis 100. When allowed to relax,the cuff elastic gathering member 159 contracts to pull the front waistregion 36 and the back waist region 38 toward each other and, thereby,bend the article 10 into a “U” shape in which the interior of the “U”shape may be formed by the portions of the article 10 that are intendedto be placed toward the body of the wearer (i.e., interior surface 102).Because each of the proximal edges 157 remains free between thelongitudinally oriented leg cuff attachment zones, the contractive forceof the elastic gathering member 159 may lift the proximal edge 157 ofthe leg cuff 147 away from the interior surface 102 of the chassis 100.This lifting of the proximal edges 157 when the article 10 is in therelaxed condition lifts the leg cuffs 147 into a position to serve asside barriers to prevent, or at least inhibit, leakage of bodilyexudates.

Examples of acceptable leg cuffs 147 are disclosed in U.S. Ser. No.13/457,521, filed Apr. 27, 2012, including the configurations disclosedby FIGS. 8a-t of the '521 application.

Waistband

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 19, the article 10 may comprise anelasticized waistband 112 a and b. The elasticized waistband may provideimproved fit and containment and may be configured to elastically expandand contract laterally to dynamically fit a wearer's waist. Theelasticized waistband may extend longitudinally from the waist edge ofthe absorbent article 10 toward the waist edge of the absorbent core200. In one embodiment, the absorbent article 10 may have twoelasticized waistbands, one positioned in the back waist region 38 andone positioned in the front waist region 36, although other pantembodiments may be constructed with a single elasticized waistband. Theelasticized waistband may be constructed in a number of differentconfigurations including those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,515,595 and5,151,092.

In one embodiment, the elasticized waistbands may comprise materialsthat have been “prestrained” or “mechanically prestrained” (i.e.,subjected to some degree of localized pattern mechanical stretching topermanently elongate the material). The materials may be prestrainedusing suitable deep embossing techniques. In other embodiments, thematerials may be prestrained by directing the material through anincremental mechanical stretching system as described in U.S. Pat. No.5,330,458. The materials may then be allowed to return to theirsubstantially untensioned condition, thus forming a zero strain stretchmaterial that is extensible, at least up to the point of initialstretching. Examples of zero strain materials are disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 2,075,189, 3,025,199, 4,107,364, 4,209,563, 4,834,741, and5,151,092.

Flaps

The flaps 189 (a-d) may be discrete from or integral with the chassis100. A discrete flap is formed as separate element, which is joined tothe chassis 100. In some embodiments, this includes a plurality offlaps, e.g. 2 or 4 (often referred to as ear panels or side flaps) beingjoined to the side edges 137 a and b of the chassis in the front and/orrear waist regions 36 and 38 (see FIGS. 1 and 18-22). In otherembodiments this may include a front and/or back belt-like flaps(“belts”) being joined across the front and back (or rear) waist regionsof the chassis 100, at least across end edges of the chassis 136 and 138(see FIGS. 1 and 24). In some embodiments the waistbands 112 can overlapthe flaps to create a continuous belt-like structure (see FIG. 19).

The belt-like flaps and may comprise an inner nonwoven layer and anouter nonwoven layer and elastics there between. The inner and outernonwoven layers may be joined using adhesive or thermoplastic bonds.Various suitable belt-like flap configurations can be found in U.S. Pub.No. 2013-0211363.

An integral flap is a portion, one or more layers, of the chassis thatprojects laterally outward from the longitudinal edge. The integral flapmay be formed by cutting the chassis to include the shape of the flapprojection.

While many of the embodiments illustrated in this application havingbelt-like flaps are pant articles, taped articles may have belt-likeflaps disposed in one or both waist regions as well.

The structure of flaps play an important role in the functionality ofthe absorbent article and are fundamentally different than the elasticsused in underwear. As mentioned above, incontinence events, such as SUIand UUI, can result in a high flow rate and/or a full bladder release.The amounts of urine expelled during the incontinence events can varywildly given the type of urinary incontinence as well as othercircumstances such as time since last bathroom visit, amount of fluidintake, day or night, etc. Loadings can range from as low as a few dropsof urine to loadings as high as 600 mls. It is not unusual to havesingle loadings as high as 300, 400 and even 500 mls. These levels ofloading present a significant downward force associated with the loadingwhich can be a pound or more. This downward force must be compensatedfor by the absorbent article chassis in order to minimize sagging,gapping and leakage. In order to sustain the fit of the article evenafter loading the article comprises elastomeric element(s) 146,including films and/or strands) that are disposed proximate to and alongthe side seams 280 a and b (see, for example, FIG. 20, where theelastomeric elements 146 terminate proximate to and along the length ofthe seams 280 a and b) of the article and extend laterally from one sidetoward the other. These elastomeric element(s) should create a normalforce against the body sufficient to anchor the article. The location ofthe elastomeric element(s), as well as the forces exerted by theelastomeric element(s) can be varied to ensure proper anchoring at thehips and along the body specifically across the front waist region andin the back waist region. One form of anchoring beneficial forsustaining the fit of a loaded article is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,358,500 Absorbent Articles Providing Sustained Dynamic Fit issued Oct.25, 1994 to LaVon, et al. It should also be noted that regular underwearwith elastic along the waist edge and leg edges would not typicallyprovide sufficient support to sustain the fit of the underwear if aweight of 300-600 grams was applied to the crotch region of theunderwear. This paragraph illustrates another fundamental reason whyproper Body Rise/Length of the absorbent article is key to maintaincontact and gasketing, as well as proper anchoring on the body toovercome the fit degrading forces associated with high loadings.

The seams 280 a and b may each be from about 150 mm to about 200 mm,from about 160 mm to about 190 mm, or from about 170 mm to about 180 mm.The seams are the portions of the flap that overlap (i.e., the distancefrom the waist opening to the leg opening of the overlapped or abuttedflaps).

Fastening System

The absorbent article may also include a fastening system. Whenfastened, the fastening system interconnects the front waist region 36and the rear waist region 38 resulting in a waist circumference that mayencircle the wearer during wear of the absorbent article 10. Thefastened elements connecting the front and back waist regions formrefastenable side seams. This may be accomplished by flaps 189 a and bin the back waist region interconnecting with flaps 189 c and d in thefront waist region or by flaps in the back waist region interconnectingwith the chassis 100 in the front waist region. The fastening system maycomprises a fastener 53 a and b such as tape tabs, hook and loopfastening components, interlocking fasteners such as tabs & slots,buckles, buttons, snaps, and/or hermaphroditic fastening components,although any other known fastening means are generally acceptable. Thefasteners may releasably engage with a landing zone 118, which may be awoven or nonwoven. Some exemplary surface fastening systems aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,848,594; 4,662,875; 4,846,815; 4,894,060;4,946,527; 5,151,092; 5,221,274. Particularly, the flaps may beconfigured as described and illustrated in FIGS. 3A-C and 4A-k of U.S.Ser. No. 61/666,065, filed on Jun. 29, 2012, titled DISPOSABLE ABSORBENTREFASTENABLE PANTS AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME. Further, theabsorbent articles of this disclosure may be manufactured in accordancewith the descriptions and illustrations of U.S. Ser. No. 61/666,065(see, for example, FIGS. 5-10C of the '065 application). An exemplaryinterlocking fastening system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,432,098.The fastening system may also provide a means for holding the article ina disposal configuration as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,963,140. Thefastening system may also include primary and secondary fasteningsystems, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,699,622. The fastening systemmay be constructed to reduce shifting of overlapped portions or toimprove fit as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,242,436; 5,499,978;5,507,736; and 5,591,152.

Identical or Substantially Identical Chassis

As disclosed in U.S. Pub. No. 2013-0211355, it may be desirable to offeran array of packages for fitting different sized wearers, but comprisingidentical or substantially identical chassis. For instance, an array maycomprise a first package comprising a first size of absorbent articlesand a second package may comprise a second size of absorbent articles,where the first and second packages comprise identical or substantiallyidentical chassis as described in U.S. Pub. No. 2013-0211355. Moreparticularly, the first package may comprise a first chassis and thesecond package may comprise a second chassis, where each of the firstand second chassis comprise the same dimensions of one or more of: corewidth at the lateral centerline, core width at one of the front or rearcore end, a distance from a left outer cuff distal edge to a right outercuff distal edge, a distance from a left inner cuff distal edge to aleft outer cuff distal edge, a distance from a left inner cuff proximaledge to a right inner cuff proximal edge, a distance from a left innercuff proximal edge to a left outer cuff distal edge, a free height ofthe inner cuff, inner cuff hem fold width, inner cuff elastics length,outer cuff elastics length, core length, and backsheet width.

Further, each of the first and second chassis may comprise identicalchemical compositions of one or more of a topsheet, backsheet film,backsheet nonwoven, core super absorbent polymers, core pulp, corenonwoven, core tissue, leg cuff film, leg cuff nonwoven, super absorbentpolymer adhesive, core nonwoven adhesive, leg cuff elastic adhesive, andbacksheet nonwoven/film adhesive.

And, each of the first and second chassis may comprise the same basisweight of one or more of the topsheet, backsheet film, backsheetnonwoven, core super absorbent polymers, core pulp, leg cuff nonwoven,leg cuff film, super absorbent polymer adhesive, leg cuff adhesive, andbacksheet nonwoven/film adhesive.

And, each of the first and second chassis may comprise compositionallyidentical core super absorbent polymers. The first and second chassismay have identical component cross sectional order and disposition in atleast one of the front waist region, back waist region, and crotchregion. The inner leg cuffs of the first and second chassis may becomposed of the compositionally identical materials.

And, the core adhesives of the first and second chassis may be the sameadhesive(s). The first and second chassis may comprise core superabsorbent polymers that are in the same chemical class and subclass.

And, each of the first and second chassis may comprise first and secondwetness indicators, respectively, and wherein the first and secondwetness indicators are compositionally identical.

Further, the inner leg cuffs of the first and second chassis may haveidentical component cross sectional order and disposition in at leastone of the front waist region, back waist region, and crotch region. Thedistance from the left outer cuff distal edge to a right outer cuffdistal edge may the same. The distance from the left inner cuff proximaledge to left outer cuff distal edge may be the same. The distance fromthe left inner cuff proximal edge to the right inner cuff proximal edgeis the same. The lengths of the inner and outer cuffs are the same.

In some embodiments, different size offerings in an array may haveidentical or substantially identical chassis as the flaps or belts maybe used to enable the absorbent article to fit different sized wearers.For example, first and second absorbent articles may have identicalchassis (compositionally, dimensionally, cross-sectionally), but thefirst article may have a different length due to disposition of thebelts, such that the first article may be targeted to fit a smallerwearer than the second article. As a second example, first and secondabsorbent articles may have identical chassis (compositionally,dimensionally, cross-sectionally), but the first article may have adifferent length and/or width due to the size of the belts, such thatthe first article may be targeted to fit a smaller wearer than thesecond article.

In some embodiments, first and second absorbent articles may haveidentical chassis compositionally, but not dimensionally, and notcross-sectionally. In some embodiments, first and second absorbentarticles may have identical chassis dimensionally, but notcompositionally, and not cross-sectionally. In some embodiments, firstand second absorbent articles may have identical chassiscross-sectionally, but not dimensionally, and not compositionally. Instill other embodiments, first and second absorbent articles may havetwo, but not three of (1) compositionally, (2) dimensionally, and (3)cross-sectionally identical chassis.

What is claimed is:
 1. An array of packages comprising two or moredifferent sizes of disposable absorbent articles, the array comprising:a first package comprising a first disposable absorbent article, thefirst disposable absorbent article comprising a first topsheet, a firstbacksheet, a first absorbent core comprising first and second channels,the first absorbent article being a first size; a second packagecomprising a second disposable absorbent article, the second disposableabsorbent article comprising a second topsheet, a second backsheet, asecond absorbent core comprising third and fourth channels, the secondabsorbent article being a second size; wherein the second size is largerthan the first size; wherein a Channel Spacing of the first size isgreater than a Channel Spacing of the second size; and wherein the firstpackage and the second package are in the same array.
 2. The array ofpackages of claim 1, wherein a Channel Curvature of the first size isequal to or greater than a Channel Curvature of the second size.
 3. Thearray of packages of claim 1, wherein a Channel Arm Angle of the firstcore is equal to or greater than a Channel Arm Angle of a second core.4. The array of packages of claim 1, wherein a Channel Length of thefirst core is equal to or greater than a Channel Length of the secondcore.
 5. The array of packages of claim 1, wherein the Channel Spacingof the third and fourth channels of the second absorbent core is fromabout 10 mm to about 50 mm.
 6. The array of packages of claim 1, whereinthe Channel Spacing of the first and second channels of the firstabsorbent core is from about 30 mm to about 80 mm.
 7. The array ofpackages of claim 1, wherein a Channel Curvature of a first channel ofthe first absorbent core is greater than a Channel Curvature of a thirdchannel of the second absorbent core.
 8. The array of packages of claim1, wherein a Channel Curvature of the third channels of the secondabsorbent core is from about 5/m to about 11 m.
 9. The array of packagesof claim 1, wherein a Channel Curvature of the first channel of thefirst absorbent core is from about 7/m to about 15/m.
 10. The array ofpackages of claim 1, wherein a Channel Arm Angle of the first channel ofthe first absorbent core is greater than a Channel Arm Angle of thethird channel of the second absorbent core.
 11. The array of packages ofclaim 10, wherein the Channel Arm Angle of the third channel of thesecond absorbent core is from about 5° to about 23°.
 12. The array ofpackages of claim 10, wherein the Channel Arm Angle of the first channelof the first absorbent core is from about 18° to about 30°.
 13. Thearray of packages of claim 1, wherein a Channel Length of the thirdchannel of the second absorbent core is greater than a Channel Length ofthe first channel of the first absorbent core.
 14. The array of packagesof claim 13, wherein the Channel Length of the first channel of thefirst absorbent core is from about 200 mm to about 350 mm.
 15. The arrayof packages of claim 13, wherein the Channel Length of the third channelof the second absorbent core is from about 250 mm to about 400 mm. 16.The array of packages of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first andthird channels are substantially free from airfelt and super absorbentpolymer.
 17. The array of packages of claim 1, wherein at least one ofthe first and third channels comprise a substantially linear segment.18. The array of packages of claim 1, wherein the array comprises athird package comprising a third absorbent article comprising a thirdabsorbent core comprising fifth and sixth channels, the third absorbentarticle being a third size, wherein a Channel Spacing of the third sizeis equal to or greater than Channel Spacing of the second size.
 19. Thearray of packages of claim 1, wherein the array comprises a thirdpackage comprising a third absorbent article comprising a thirdabsorbent core comprising fifth and sixth channels, the third absorbentarticle being a third size, wherein a Channel Curvature of the secondsize is greater than a Channel Curvature of the third size.
 20. Thearray of packages of claim 1, wherein the array comprises a thirdpackage comprising a third absorbent article comprising a thirdabsorbent core comprising fifth and sixth channels, the third absorbentarticle being a third size, wherein a Channel Length of the second sizeis less than a Channel Length of the third size.